I have to admit something. I’ve been keeping a secret from you! Rather than revising for anything or producing something that you’d have never been able to see, my final few months at University have been spent creating something that I hope you’ll be just as excited about as I am. A magazine! With Click here for more!]]>

The Magazine

I have to admit something. I’ve been keeping a secret from you! Rather than revising for anything or producing something that you’d have never been able to see, my final few months at University have been spent creating something that I hope you’ll be just as excited about as I am. A magazine! With the help of my talented and hard-working best friend/housemate/life-organiser Lucy as my partner, and a whole host of my other talented friends getting involved, the 86-page Wish magazine has almost been born. The paper-baby of my blog, if you will. Only with a lot less me, and a lot more you!

A magazine full of talented young illustrators, photographers, writers, designers and more, working to share something they love. A little bit childlike and a big bit nostalgic, we were concerned with creating a magazine that wasn’t full of the latest trends, high-end price tags or unattainable features, but instead something that could be a timeless, light-hearted read to share with a friend over a cup of tea.  I won’t divulge too much more on the contents until I have my labour of love to feel in my own hands, but I’m almost certain you’ll enjoy it. I got to try my hand at a little illustration, a bit of styling and a lot of design work, as I put together all of the pages after opening InDesign for the first time. And it won’t be long until it can be in your hands too – as it will be available to buy online from next week!

The Wish house, as it’s now called, has been a happy but hectic place, and we’re now preparing for our launch party this Sunday. I would love it if a few of you could come along too, and we have 5 spaces left on our list – so if you know you will be free this Sunday the 13th and able to get to central London for 4pm, then let me know in a comment! I’ll pick out 5 and drop you an email with all of the details. We’re planning on it being a lot of fun!

Look out for my excited/nervous/delirious Instagram pictures when the delivery arrives! In my next post I’ll be introducing you to our amazing sponsor, Penhaligon’s of London x

I promised a post full of bags, and here you have it, in all their monogrammed goodness! I’ll admit, I didn’t know a great deal about Bottega Veneta before their kind invitation to Milan – after a quick Google I’d thought that their most recent colour palette and grown-up aesthetic wasn’t my bag (pardon the Click here for more!]]>

Initials

I promised a post full of bags, and here you have it, in all their monogrammed goodness! I’ll admit, I didn’t know a great deal about Bottega Veneta before their kind invitation to Milan – after a quick Google I’d thought that their most recent colour palette and grown-up aesthetic wasn’t my bag (pardon the pun!), but there was something about their latest project, entitled ‘Initials’ that piqued my interest. I’m forever wishing I was back at school, when I’d have pencils with my name on them, or even jumpers with my initials scribbled on the label..having your identity imprinted on your designer handbag seems to be the very grown-up version of this nostalgic tradition.

Bottega’s Initials project allows you to customise your intrecciato bag, belt, wallet, purse, ipad case (you name it!) with your initials – something rather bold for a company that doesn’t even use it’s own logo on their classic products. You can pick from a variety or colours and sizes -  this might be something you’d consider easy, but when faced with the small tote bag with red lettering vs the large with the yellow lettering, it becomes a difficult task. I mocked up my options on the website before ordering the bag you see above – the yellow lettering reminding me of gold, and the large open shape being unlike anything else I own. The perfect size for a shopping trip or a day at the beach, I thought.

And voila! It’s been on a few journeys already, and each time I’ve wondered whether the person opposite on the tube might be trying to guess my name.

Thank you to Ykone and Bottega Veneta for a wonderful trip.

P.S Yes! Those are the shoes – I’ll introduce them in another post! x

Guess who? And guess where?! I was recently the very grateful guest of Bottega Veneta in Milan, Italy. It would appear that I live a rather glamourous life based on the images I’ve posted as of late, but in reality, my day and half in Milan was a far cry from how I’ve been spending Click here for more!]]>

Ciao!

Guess who? And guess where?! I was recently the very grateful guest of Bottega Veneta in Milan, Italy. It would appear that I live a rather glamourous life based on the images I’ve posted as of late, but in reality, my day and half in Milan was a far cry from how I’ve been spending my time lately, glued to the computer screen day and night. A very welcome break, including pizza, pasta and leather goods? Yes please.

But more on those leather goods in the next post – for now, Milano! Like I mentioned above, I’m not very good at being ‘glamourous’, I’m perfectly happy in a sun dress and some flats, but you’ve got to make a bit of an effort when you’re heading to Milan, where everybody dresses impeccably (not to mention those other bloggers you’ll be spending your time with!). So my idea of dressing up a bit was…a pair of jeans. I’ve not worn flares like this since the age of 14 or so, my preferred shape of school trouser, but this pair from MiH had such an incredibly cool 70s vibe, that I straight away wanted to pair with a breton top, pair of sunnies and red lips. I’d advise them to any other girls larger than a size small out there too, as they flatter in all the right places, which I find rare in trousers. I just had to make sure to breathe in after the copious amount of mozzarella I consumed!

My travel buddy Shini and I (who happened to be wearing awfully similar attire!) had a little time to explore the city before heading out to view Bottega’s latest project. Charmed by gelato, trams, the magnificent buildings, dogs and the sunshine, I remembered why I was so excited to return to Milan. Like last time, it was just so picturesque. Perhaps it was the smell of Italian food in the air, but I certainly had a smile on my face.

Come back soon for the second half, featuring 99% more pretty handbags! x

Coat - Romwe | Top - MiH | Jeans - MiH | Bag - MySuelly
Sunglasses - Sonia Rykiel | Ring - Me & Zena

It’s not easy blowing bubbles whilst trying not to look cross-eyed, you know. And now I’ve cleared that up…when Chloé asked me to interpret their new fragrance in my own way, the sight of the bottle alone was enough to put a massive grin on my face. Add to that the descriptors on the Click here for more!]]>

…or Carrie!

It’s not easy blowing bubbles whilst trying not to look cross-eyed, you know. And now I’ve cleared that up…when Chloé asked me to interpret their new fragrance in my own way, the sight of the bottle alone was enough to put a massive grin on my face. Add to that the descriptors on the press release: “chiffon in bright sunlight” and “bare feet brushing long grass”, and I was sold. It’s not everyday that one of your favourite brands get in touch with a product that’s perfect for you. So, to make it extra special, I called up my new friend, talented photographer Kitty Gallanugh (if you don’t know her already, you must look!) to see if she fancied going on an adventure with a bunch of flowers, bubbles and a big bottle of L’eau de Chloé. She accepted, of course.

Richmond park was the perfect setting for this outdoorsy scent. Whilst I won’t attempt to describe the perfume in a poetic manner, fresh, light and sweet are adjectives that come to mind as I sit here sniffing at the ribbon-adorned bottle. An every day perfume for the summer – I’m looking forward to wearing it again once the sun shows its face.

Chloé also asked that I share a competition with you – the chance to win the perfume (amongst other goodies) by downloading their App and sharing your interpretation of the fragrance too. In an Instagram style, you can take a picture and edit them with effects resembling the colours in the campaign, before submitting them to the lookbook. My attempts are below – it’s very much worth a go considering there don’t seem to be many entries through on the Chloé blog yet! Good luck ; )

P.S – Sorry for the slow posting this week – I’m in the last few weeks of my degree, but have something special to share very soon as a result! x

The last of my travel antics in Antwerp! Lucy and I strolled through the botanical gardens, stopping to pose by the magnolias before heading for lunch. My whole class was sad to be heading home – maybe because of the impending dissertation deadline – but I’m almost certain it was the charm of Click here for more!]]>

Bye bye, Belgium

The last of my travel antics in Antwerp! Lucy and I strolled through the botanical gardens, stopping to pose by the magnolias before heading for lunch. My whole class was sad to be heading home – maybe because of the impending dissertation deadline – but I’m almost certain it was the charm of this little city.

I was in my “going home” outfit, comfortable enough for an afternoon on the Eurostar, but equally as comfortable for bargain hunting. Lucy and I came across a great second hand shop called Think Twice, that fills up each month with second hand items, only to be decreased in price as the month goes on – we were there on €1 day, and Lucy was in her element picking up all the 80′s cast-offs, but I also managed to pick up a dress (with ducks on..!) and a blouse, a great way to spend my last couple euros. I’d recommend a visit if you’re planning a trip!

I’m not one for wearing separates, blouses are difficult to wear when you’ve got ample bosom, but I can’t ignore my love for them. This silky number was picked up in the Zara sale a few months ago, as was the corduroy Paul & Joe skirt. I thought I’d wear my favourite wintery colour combo before the weather gets too nice, which it’s not showing any signs of doing at the moment! x

Shirt - Zara | Skirt - Paul & Joe | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu
Bag - Mulberry | Sunglasses - Ray Ban via Monnier Freres

I hope I haven’t made you too hungry! I’m just taking another break from writing my dissertation to show you even more pictures of Antwerp…I warned you there were a lot!  One of the things I was looking forward to the most in Belgium was their famous waffles. I only managed about 3/4 of my Click here for more!]]>

Waffles

I hope I haven’t made you too hungry! I’m just taking another break from writing my dissertation to show you even more pictures of Antwerp…I warned you there were a lot!  One of the things I was looking forward to the most in Belgium was their famous waffles. I only managed about 3/4 of my chocolate and cream concoction (Lucy finished it off, as always), but what I did eat was perfection! Not a particularly exotic combination, I’ll admit, but it hit the spot. Sadly I don’t have any pictures with my beloved Belgian fries that were devoured too!

We spent the rest of the morning discovering even more of the city, hunting down unique shops and things to see, finishing off once again in front of the river to take a few pictures before the sun set, by which time I was suitably cold and ready to admit defeat and put my tights on again. Not really crop-top weather, but I’m ever the optimistic English person!

Stay tuned for the final installment of my Antwerp trip (yup! There’s more!) – I’m so pleased that a few of you have said you’d like to visit after seeing these pictures! I should be employed by the tourist board..! x

Floral Headband - LouLou Loves You | Sunglasses - BonLook | Shirt - Urban Outfitters
Skirt - MinkPink | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu

We spent the morning of our second day in Antwerp visiting the Fashion Museum, MoMu, wondering how women fit in to such impossibly tight dresses, and then the second half scoffing chocolate and cake – hooray for feminism!

When wandering through the streets situated by the cathedral, we came across cafe after restaurant of intriguing looking Click here for more!]]>

Chocolate

We spent the morning of our second day in Antwerp visiting the Fashion Museum, MoMu, wondering how women fit in to such impossibly tight dresses, and then the second half scoffing chocolate and cake – hooray for feminism!

When wandering through the streets situated by the cathedral, we came across cafe after restaurant of intriguing looking places to eat, noting them down for tomorrow’s lunch or Thursday’s snack. Inevitably, we didn’t end up returning to any of them, due to finding similarly tasty looking outlets elsewhere – I think this warrants a return trip to Antwerp, don’t you?! Although, one thing Lucy and I had to try was Belgium’s famous chocolates, that of course live up to the hype. I’ll be talking about my must-sees and visits in another format very soon, so watch this space if you’re looking for an address for the best cupcakes in Antwerp.

As for my ensemble, well, it attracted a few looks from the locals, but that’s what you get for dressing like a clown! This is hands-down one of my favourite dresses – Vivi can do no wrong in my eyes! And it was the first outing for a pair of Mulberry shoes that I picked up with my Christmas money at the factory shop in January. I’d almost forgotten about them, they’d been packed away, reserved for a time when I could wear them without tights. And I’ll admit, wandering a new city on a hot day isn’t exactly the best way of breaking in a pair of shoes, but they served me well!

Oh to be back in sunny Antwerp..! x

Sunglasses - Ray Ban | Dress - Vivetta | Bag - My Suelly | Shoes - Mulberry

Last week I spent four days in the beautiful Antwerp, Belgium on a ‘school trip’ away with my university class. At first mention, I wasn’t particularly excited by the thought of Antwerp (I knew nothing about it) and hadn’t ever considered visiting, but I’m so glad that I did, as you’ll see from my incessant Click here for more!]]>

Fries<3

Last week I spent four days in the beautiful Antwerp, Belgium on a ‘school trip’ away with my university class. At first mention, I wasn’t particularly excited by the thought of Antwerp (I knew nothing about it) and hadn’t ever considered visiting, but I’m so glad that I did, as you’ll see from my incessant photography. I think my whole class fell in love with it – but perhaps that was because of all the beer..!

We arrived on a sunny afternoon (well done Carrie for wearing a jumper, I thought), and I spent the rest of it wandering the city – this is always my favourite part of a trip. I shed my tights and then ran in to a couple of friends, we bought strawberries (okay, they bought strawberries, I was on the chocolate chip cookies for the rest of the night) and went to sit by the river for sunset. You’d never guess we all have a dissertation to hand in in a few weeks…

If you’ve not been before, I can probably sum up Antwerp in a few words: fries, waffles, bicycles, small dogs and beer. A winning combination! I have a million more photos to share with you, including a few of the above (okay, a LOT of the above, especially the bicycles!).

As for my outfit, I hadn’t planned to photograph it until Lucy snapped the above whilst the sun was shining the right direction. A huge serving of grey with a splash of orange on the side, perfect for the Eurostar, not so practical on the streets of Antwerp – my legs were permenantly on show for the rest of the trip! x

Jumper - Urban Outfitters | Skirt - YesStyle.co.uk | Shoes - Licia Florio
Nails - Chanel Orange Fizz | Lips - Clinique Runway Coral

I’m working on a rather exciting, self-initiated project that involves meeting up with lots of talented ladies – and last week my venue of choice for these meetings was The Vintage Emporium, just off Brick Lane. Who said work wasn’t fun?! It’s very quickly making it’s way to the top of my list Click here for more!]]>

The Vintage Emporium

I’m working on a rather exciting, self-initiated project that involves meeting up with lots of talented ladies – and last week my venue of choice for these meetings was The Vintage Emporium, just off Brick Lane. Who said work wasn’t fun?! It’s very quickly making it’s way to the top of my list for a cake and a cuppa in London. Now, I won’t say who I met up with as I don’t want to give away too much…all will be revealed very soon! But I can share what I chose to indulge in whilst I was there – a slice of Victoria sponge and a big old mug of tea (four sugars, please!).

Whilst the cake wasn’t the best that I’d had, it was more than made up for by the cosy surroundings. I parked up on an armchair, with that hairy little fella above as my neighbour, surrounded by dried flowers and old suitcases – we must have been there for hours!

In other news, it’s bare leg weather once again!! Hooray! My rather pale-looking pins are on show, and I don’t plan on putting them away until at least October. I’ve been waiting to wear this spring-time ensemble for a while – the colour combo reminds me of something that one of my fave bloggers Ashley of Fancy Fine might put together. I’ll be re-wearing this many a time over the next few months, I’m sure of it! x

If you’re visiting London and like the look of the Vintage Emporium, you can find it at 14 Bacon St, Brick Lane.

Cardigan - Licia Florio | Dress - YesStyle.co.uk
Bag - MySuelly via Monnier Freres | Shoes - Le Bunny Bleu